“In mid-December, staff noticed that Freckles was having trouble breathing and could no longer climb onto Penguin Island,” zoo officials said. He was examined by veterinary staff, given intensive care and round-the-clock monitoring to keep him comfortable and stable. His condition didn’t improve, however, and by Thursday, Freckles appeared confused and didn’t respond when staff approached, touched him, or called his name. “Despite treatment with several medications, his quality of life had declined significantly, and his condition placed him at a high risk of drowning if he were given access to a pool,” zoo officials said.
Two San Francisco Zoo Animals Euthanized due to Health Issues
Incident Date:
01/05/2026
Location:
San Francisco, CA - USA
Facility Name:
San Francisco Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Primates
Animal:
Penguin, Lemur
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Two beloved San Francisco Zoo animals were euthanized last week due to declining health, zoo officials said. Eno, a 34-year-old red-bellied lemur, and Freckles, a 19-year-old Magellanic penguin, were “ambassadors for their species.” Eno was being closely monitored after a kidney disease diagnosis, but his health had declined rapidly due to complications.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes: